Oscar Piastri has shared his excitement following confirmation that he’ll race for McLaren in the 2023 Formula 1 world championship.
The Australian has a multi-year deal that will place him alongside Lando Norris.
“I’m extremely excited to be making my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that’s been offered to me,” Piastri said.
“The team has a long tradition of giving young talent a chance, and I’m looking forward to working hard alongside Lando to push the team towards the front of the grid.
“I’m focused on preparing for my F1 debut in 2023 and starting my F1 career in papaya.”
Team Principal Andreas Seidl added: “The entire team is delighted to welcome Oscar to McLaren for the 2023 F1 season.
“He has an impressive racing career to date, and we are sure that together with Lando, he will be able to help us move another step forward towards our ambitions.
“We still have an important job to do this season which the team remains focused on, before we will then ensure Oscar is integrated into the team as quickly as possible and ready for the challenges ahead.
“We look forward to preparing for an exciting 2023 season together.”
Piastri is one of the most credentialed junior drivers in recent decades, winning three successive championships in Formula Renault, Formula 3, and Formula 2.
It’s a pedigree McLaren Racing Zak Brown CEO is enthused by the team’s latest signing.
“Oscar is one of the up-and-coming talents coming through the feeder series into F1 and we are delighted to see him join the team for 2023,” said the American.
“Winning both F3 and F2 in successive rookie seasons is a real achievement and testament to his talent in single-seater racing.
“In Lando and Oscar we have a young, exciting F1 line-up with a huge amount of potential, standing us in good stead to achieve our future ambitions.
“Oscar is an exciting addition to the McLaren family, and we look forward to seeing him grow with our F1 team.”
Can’t wait to get started! @McLarenF1 🧡 https://t.co/5h7dZzmwY3
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) September 2, 2022
It’s official! 😁#F1 #OP81 @mclaren pic.twitter.com/CFY3Z1ddrQ
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) September 2, 2022